Monday, February 16, 2015

Augustina Van Hoven says a purse is very personal & sharing her book! #MFRWorg #fashion #handbag


Augustina Van Hoven on
Handbag Monday

       A purse is a very personal item.  Most people have very specific things they look for when purchasing one. 
When I set out to buy one, it usually takes me days to find exactly what I am looking for.  A purse becomes such a part of me that I will use it until it literally falls apart.  I learned from experience that when I find a style I like I try to buy two so I have a backup when the first one is no longer serviceable.  
        Several years ago, I found a purse style that I really liked and used.  Just before the last purse broke, I went back to the store only to find the manufacturer had discontinued that particular design.  I looked everywhere both locally and online to locate a similar one but to no avail.  As luck would have it, the son of a good friend developed an interest in leatherwork and started making custom purses.  I brought him my beloved bag, now in a desperate state of decay, and commissioned a new one with a few style improvements.
          My first requirement in a purse is that it must have a shoulder strap.  Most of the time my hands are full and I need the ability to sling my purse over my shoulder so I can deal with the rest of the stuff I need to carry, like my coffee.
            My second requirement is that the bag has many compartments.  By force of habit, I carry a lot of things with me and I like to be able to lay my hands on something quickly rather than dig through a bunch of other stuff before I can find what I want.  This purse is ideal.  The two front compartments hold my iPod and iPhone, respectively.  There is a zipper compartment for things you don’t want to lose.  The center section opens and closes with a magnetic snap and holds larger items like notebooks and pens.  Behind that is another zippered compartment where I can keep my wallet, flashlight and other items.  Inside this compartment is another zippered one for smaller things like nail clippers and lipstick.  


A DISTANT PAST
In 1882, Rose Van Buren loved the wrong man and paid for it with her life. Now, more than a century later, the angel Gabriel has granted her another shot at living. In exchange, she must convince a smart, handsome, up-and-coming lawyer to set aside his lofty ambitions.
A FUTURE PRESENT
Stephen Winship is headed straight for the governor’s chair. He has a brilliant career, solid allies, and a seemingly perfect girlfriend. But night after night he finds himself dreaming of a heavenly beauty, a luminous but long-dead girl. Like some altered Ghost of Christmas Past, she shows him her own tragic tale in order to “save him.” And he’s beginning to see Rose is risking her heart as much as baring her soul. Yet falling for her will cost him everything—and open him up to a happiness he never imagined.

Find THE KISS OF A ROSE at: Amazon
Find Augustina Van Hoven at:Website  Facebook Twitter


12 comments:

Angela Adams said...

That is my kind of bag! I can carry all the things I need and everything is right at my fingertips!

Sylvia said...

Angela, I agree. I love the purses that have compartments inside for your drivers license, credit cards and money. If it has a holder for my iPhone, I'm hooked.

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Angela and Sylvia! I admit I like one large pocket for my sunglasses. And lip balm. Otherwise, the handbag becomes a wallet?

Adele Downs said...

I'm with you about a handbag needing a shoulder strap and several compartments. I like my purses to be comfortable, stylish, and versitile.

Congratulations and best of luck on your release!

Best--Adele

Kary said...

It takes me a long time to decide on a purse, too. And I do like compartments, but style is more of a consideration. As long as it's big enough. I have three kids and they like to pawn stuff on me while we're out. Loved the blurb to your story! IT sounds great!

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Adele! I used to do cross-body style when I had kids to keep my hands free and the bag in place. I switched to tote because shoulder straps always fall off mine.

Hi, Kary! I'm about size and style. I used to have the criteria that a bag could hold a paperback. lol Before that, a bottle and/or a diaper. Thank you ladies, for posting.

Melissa Keir said...

What a beautiful cover. I can see why you want to have your purse reproduced. I hate when I find something that I love and it's out of stock!

Pat Marinelli said...

I agree a purse is personal. I would never purchase one as a gift unless I took the person to the store to pick the purse out.

I love pockets, but they must work for me. Previously I needed places for glasses and sunglasses, but after cataract surgery I don't need that. Now I need a place for my Kindle or a book. I also want to get my hands on things like car keys, wallet, etc., quickly.

Yep, a purse is purely personal.

emilym said...

Looks a lot like the one I carry. I got in the habit of carrying a large purse when I was working and had to carry a glucose meter with me. I like compartments and a zippered inner pocket to carry jewelry when I travel.
Interesting blog!
Best, Emily Mims

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi,Pat and Emily! I've bought handbags for people and they said they liked them. I think it is like most any gift--you have to know who the gift is for and is it a good match? Thanks for posting.

Unknown said...

Hi, Augustina ... I am in awe of your organizational skills. Anyone who can make room for everything, including a flashlight, must truly be my opposite.

I rummage around, digging and pushing, turning bags up-side-down only to remember I never put that something in the bag in the first place.

I also love your cover. Your story sounds intriguing. I am a fan of second chances ... be they in this life or the next. Thanks :)

HiDee said...

That's my kind of bag, too! Can't have enough pockets and compartments, and a strong shoulder strap is a definite must!